Alpine Skiing

WHISTLER, B.C. - The men's Alpine course at Whistler was injected with water to harden the surface as the Winter Games near.

The International Ski Federation ordered the move, allowing the course to better withstand warm weather and rain. The practice is not uncommon in international competition.

Critics, however, contend that courses injected with water can cause more skiers to fall. Lindsey Vonn fell during a giant slalom on such a course in Austria in December, leaving her arm in a sling.

The women's course at Whistler was not injected.

While temperatures on the mountain have been hovering around or above freezing in recent days, cooler conditions and snow were expected Wednesday.

When a course is injected, water is forced deep into the snow through tiny nozzles on a high-pressure hose. As cold air seeps in, a layer of hard snow and ice forms. That prevents the slope from deteriorating from use or becoming sloppy in warm weather, rain or falling snow. Such conditions can lead to race postponements.

In two-run races - slaloms and giant slaloms - the top skiers from the first run go in reverse order in the second. If the course doesn't hold up well, the lower-ranked skiers could have an advantage. Injection can be used on parts of a course or the whole course.

Olympic officials were also trying to preserve the course by limiting snow vehicles and using helicopters to move equipment.

Men's downhill training begins Wednesday.